Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by DUNKA(m): 1:20pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
JUO: yes bro excellent. Noted and bookmarked |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by DMerciful(m): 3:48pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
Thanks GeorgeD1, our grand Patron and inspirer when it comes to solar and new technologies. It was a decent review however i have always preferred midnite classic and even common itracer to morninstar due to its lack of aesthetics....i love beautifully made things and this is a criteria for choosing for me funny enuf esp as many of these controllers performances are close to 99% efficiency. GeorgeD1: all, so finally here comes the head-to-head comparison between midnite solar classic 150 cc and the tristar mppt-60.
1) build the tristar comes solid as a rock made of an upper cast aluminum and a lower steel body. so also the midnite. it looks rugged enough and its appearance exudes quality. a mere glance gives one the impression of high quality. -both charge controllers take this round equally.
2) installation both charge controllers are easy to install with both shipping with a battery temperature probe as standard. clearly marked positive and negative battery and solar pv terminals reduces possibility of error. - this round is also a draw.
3) setup setting up the tristar is a little tricky as you'd have to fiddle with the notorious 'dip switches'. from system voltage settings to battery type selection and equalization, you will do well to read your manual over and over to make sure you don't flick the wrong switch else you might just kiss your precious controller goodbye. the midnite classic on the other hand is a beauty to set up. the built-in wizard helps guide you through the set up process and you could be done in minutes without even opening one page of manual to read. it is that easy. -the midnite solar wins this round without contest
4) programming, fine-tuning, etc coming closely on the heels of setup is programming and fine tuning the charge controller. the midnite solar has quite an impressive list of user adjustable settings that you could carry out directly from the mngp (display unit). you could also use the wizbang jr add-on to achieve this. and this helps to make the unit very flexible and user friendly. the tristar on the other hand is not that easy to program. i've mentioned the dip switches already. to adjust the few settings available you will need to install the optional 'msview' software. -again the midnite classic wins this round.
5) connectivity, internet, etc both charge controllers connect to the internet when properly configured but it seems the midnite classic has a more seamless architecture. configuring the modbus for the tristar has always been a pain in the ass for me. - midnite classic wins this round
6) performance, solar harvest, ability to optimize yield even in cloudy weather i rotated both charge controllers from north facing panels to south facing panels over the course of two weeks and monitored their performance with the different arrays. i discovered the tristar always being first to wake up from night mode or 'rest' early in the morning and being the last to go to sleep in the evenings. also conversion wise (dc to dc) the tristar seems to shine. however what the midnite classic lacks in terms of its inability to wake up on time, it tries to make up for it by its superb solar algorithm - although it finds itself always trying to play catch-up for the rest of the day. for most days, production from both charge controllers were almost equally matched with only a little variation. - this round is a draw with the advantage tilting more towards the tristar.
7) durability, reliability, etc like i said in my earlier post, it's still early days yet with the midnite classic cc so i may not be in a good position to tell how durable or reliable it may turn out to be. however, i can vouch for the tristar as a solid and reliable unit able to withstand almost anything thrown at it. unless you deliberately set out to damage it, this cc is guaranteed to serve you for many years to come. - this round is inconclusive
8 ) scalability, ease of expansion, etc perhaps the biggest selling point and over-aching advantage the midnite has over the tristar is its ability to produce between 80 to 96 amps of charging current with a maximum solar array size of up to 4,300w at 48v. that means as a user there is more room for expansion. you can start with a few panels and continue building up your system on an incremental basis by adding panels after panels without worrying about changing/upgrading the charge controller. the tristar on the other hand maxes out at 60 amps which translates to 2,300w at 48v. anything above this and the current limit alarm set in. - midnite classic is the winner for this round
9) conclusion as can be seen, each charge controller has its own strong points and not so strong points. also, they seem to match evenly in quite a few areas. at the end of the day, its much like comparing ronaldo and messi - both are kings in their own rights - or comparing apple and android. while one is a closed system and difficult to manipulate, the other is flexible and easily configurable - but they both excel in what they do. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by efuro(m): 7:36pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
oloet: see free advert for juo, keep it up... one thing I believe in life is that if you work hard, your hard work speaks for you later.... kudos juo!!! JUO don't need advert anymore. Just label ur product "JUO" and go to sleep with your two eyes closed. His prices on konga are splendid. Everyday i set my eyes on the items I got from him, I always wish him well. Whatever you do, people know and understsnd. Pls don't be tired of doing good. Thumb up to JUO. @ GeorgeD.. I hearby promote you to the rank of "Group Captain ". Yes! Captain of DIYs To be decorated when dollar comes down significantly. 6 Likes |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by JUO(m): 8:21pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
efuro:
JUO don't need advert anymore. Just label ur product "JUO" and go to sleep with your two eyes closed. His prices on konga are splendid. Everyday i set my eyes on the items I got from him, I always wish him well.
Whatever you do, people know and understsnd. Pls don't be tired of doing good.
Thumb up to JUO.
@ GeorgeD..
I hearby promote you to the rank of "Group Captain ". Yes! Captain of DIYs To be decorated when dollar comes down significantly. I am humbled. Thanks 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by GeorgeD1(m): 9:50pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
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Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by GeorgeD1(m): 10:11pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
dapsyra:
Nice comprehensive review. Welcome to the family. Thank for sharing. The Classic 150 can go as high as 4672W at nominal 48V. Mine is running very well on a 4500W array with peak instantaneous harvest of 4460W The Classic 150 carries a 5years manufacturer warranty. Feedback from customers on their users' forum show that Midnite Solar honours this warranty promptly without trying to shift blames.
That app is the best Android App available to monitor the Classic CC
For windows environment, I recommend this app by Midnite Solar
http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmware.php?firmwareProduct_ID=2
You can also use this app to configure and fine tune the CC in a very easy to use graphical environment
@GeorgeD1, change the MPPT Mode from "Solar" to "Legacy P&O" and watch the Classic dust the Tristar in performance, early wake-up and late shutdown. The solar mode is optimised for clear skies while the Legacy P&O mode is optimised for cloudy skies. It is cloudy all year round in Nigeria especially around the coastal areas because of our tropical climate.
Head for https://mymidnite2.com, register and then configure your Classic 150 to upload logging data to your account. This will give you beautiful graphical presentation of all vital data from your CC.
hello dapsyra, thanks. i'm still experimenting with the midnite solar. i will try changing to the "legacy P&O" mode and see if it finally overtakes the tristar in terms of daily harvest. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by GeorgeD1(m): 10:23pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
NiyiOmoIyunade: Finally, the much promised review from somone here in Nigeria. A man of experience who thoroughly knows his onions.
So it appears the Midnite Classic won over the MorningStar overall - though I find the setup complexity issue relative having setup quite a few MorningStar CCs - I don't even think about it these days - there is something comfortingly solid & reliable about flipping dip switches.
I wanted to point out that the MorningStar is not limited to 2300watts - more like 3200watts output power as the below capture from my LiveView shows.
[img]https://4.bp..com/-BQvgsfBjyvc/WaFO4mUUqfI/AAAAAAAAAak/Lzt0ImVM2-IDQo0JJauvHgZROwUAeqDIQCLcBGAs/s1600/CC.jpg[/img]
So the jury is out on whether the Legacy P&O mode will clearly beat the MorningStar - hopefully you get a chance to try that and report to the house.
So I guess the next review would be the Magnum PT100 vs other CCs - hopefully someone would do the honors
NiyiOmoIyunade, indeed the morningstar can do up to 3200w at 48v. please forgive my error. the point i was trying to make is the overall higher capacity of the midnite @83a 48v as against tristar's 60a at same 48v. and yes, those dip switches really give a comforting feeling knowing fully well that no software glitch can suddenly change whatever settings you have made. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by GeorgeD1(m): 10:29pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
babaegun:
@GeorgeD1
Thanks for this wonderful review of the Midnight Classic 150. Quite insightful. From the pictures to the analysis, everything was just fantastic.
From the comparison, I was so sure the Midnight Classic will carry the day and you just confirmed it.
One thing you fail to mention though which I saw from the picture, the Midnight Classic can also work with Hydro & Wind power aside Solar. I think this is a plus too. I doubt if the Morning star have that capability. That triple feature is missing in most charge controllers. Most ship with the Solar capability ONLY.
What about the Android/ios/windows apps suggested by dapsyra,, the Internet ready features. The Midnight Classic is really wonderful because in other Charge Controllers, you will have to pay more to access those features.
JUO is really the man! Any day, any time. His Customer / After sales support is simply super. Don't know if the guy did ITIL self .
Once Again, GeorgeD1, Thanks a million.
babaegun, you're welcome. thanks for pointing out the wind/hydro capabilities of the midnite although the tristar mppt-60 also incorporates those features with the right dip switch settings. if i had mentioned it, both controllers would have drawn that round. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by GeorgeD1(m): 10:33pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
kiekie1:
Welcome on board .. Nice you finally got the midnite order tru James ! My only dislike about midnite classic is the thermostatic fans which kicks in almost every time (2 underneath & 1 on top) & must be serviced when they get weak to avoid internal temp rise . Secondly it comes with real small 16mm ports for solar - battery cables , if you were using 25mm cables above on morningstar, you will find it a bit difficult to fix on midnite . . overall , its a nice mppt ! I also await users of the magnum mppt to attest -give a review on its ruggedness hello kiekie, thanks. i also do worry about those midnite solar fans and in comparison the tristar seems quiet but i guess that's the price for its higher current carrying capabilities compared to the tristar. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by GeorgeD1(m): 10:40pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
DMerciful: Thanks GeorgeD1, our grand Patron and inspirer when it comes to solar and new technologies.
It was a decent review however i have always preferred midnite classic and even common itracer to morninstar due to its lack of aesthetics....i love beautifully made things and this is a criteria for choosing for me funny enuf esp as many of these controllers performances are close to 99% efficiency. dmerciful, i'm glad you found the review useful. remember however that i've only had the midnite for less than a month. so consider this as a work in progress. i'm still experimenting with quite a number of settings and observing its performance. who knows? three months, six months or even one year down the line i might decide to do another review and a lot of things might have changed by then. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by abunafiu(m): 11:53pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
@GeorgeD1 welcome onboard. I've been using the classic 150 Mppt since March 2016. I hardly go and check the harvest since my mind is at rest. Another good feature is the hyperVoc. With this feature, I now use 4X4 configuration to instally 16 units of 250w poly panels. The performance in cloudy days is superb. Though I don't think I recorded any significant improvement with the legacy P&O. But will try it again soon.
@Juo, you now see all I've been discussing with you. I am glad you are doing it positively. More blessing sir.
Pls do post prices too for informed decisions for others. 4 Likes |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by abunafiu(m): 11:54pm On Aug 26, 2017 |
GeorgeD1: now, for my vote of thanks:
juo is the man of the moment!
it has really been a very tortuous journey for me. i set out looking for the best and most economical way to replace my tristar mppt-60 which obviously was undersized for my solar array and i searched in a number of places, contacted quite a few sources both here and outside the forum and ended up disappointed. i noticed that most sellers still carry prices of items calculated at an exchange rate of 450 to 550 naira to the dollar. over seven months after dollar has reduced to 365 naira and below, these peeps choose to bury their heads in the sand and pretend not to be aware of the current realities. in comes juo the life saver! here was i chatting with this unassuming seller on this thread via watsapp and narrating my ordeal to him and the next thing i knew he was already making arrangements to get me a midnite solar classic 150 at an incredibly mouth-watering price. initially i thought it was all a joke until i got that much anticipated call from him telling me that my cc was ready for collection. at the end of the day when i compared what i paid to the amount that a popular online store is selling their midnite, i just shake my head in disbelief.
not only has juo proven to be a reliable guy to deal with, he has always been consistently delivering quality products at unbelievably low prices and this successful deal adds another feather to his cap. Juo is just the definition of a GentleMan. One love brother. 4 Likes |
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Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by GeorgeD1(m): 5:36pm On Aug 27, 2017 |
bigrovar:
Thanks for this review. It adds to the heap of knowledge on here. I have always suspected the midnight classic is indeed the lion king of offgrid charge controllers due to its legendary status among offgriders. I remember reading somewhere that they and Outback are a branch from the same tree and their founders it was who pioneered the concept of MPPT solar controllers.
About JUO. He is the most understated Underestimated unassuming seller in this part. I remembered one time one of my controllers went lemon and even though it was under warranty and a replacement was on the way from the manufacturers, the time lapse meant I would be without solar insurance policy for close to 3 weeks. This happened on a saturday, I called JUO explained to him my situation and informed him of my need to have a new controller the next day in Abuja... The fact that I had the controller in my hands is not the exceptional part, it is that JUO sent the controller even though I explained to him my tight financial state and the fact that he might not be paid until much latter. BY sunday evening I was taking delivery of the charge controller and crisis was averted.
Just recently procured 4 Front Access AGM batteries from from him for a neighbour, The price he offered those batteries was so mouth watering, I give him 20K back for the boys. My neigbour called me last night to thank me for the batteries. Said they are working better than what he expected. hello bigrovar, indeed, a gold fish has no hiding place and juo has proven to be the man with the golden touch. but while we're here heaping praises on one of our own, it may not be out of place to give some advice (and sound a note warning) to the numerous shylock traders teeming around in the internet space. they pop in here and browse through our thread and pluck in much needed knowledge which they use to update their overpriced solar wares. first of all, the advice: please wake up to reality and reduce your prices! the same price adjustment mechanism you used to hike your prices when dollar rose steadily from 220 to 550 naira should be used to re-adjust those prices downwards now that dollar rate has fallen to below 370 naira. now the warning: if you choose to stick your heads in the sand and feign ignorance of current realities, savvy peeps like us will keep going the juo route! we know where you source your wares and we know how much you make off each imported item you sell. we only chose to patronize you in the past because your prices were reasonable and we couldn't be bothered if you made a little income from your sales, afterall, you're not a charity organisation. but when your profits and mark-up starts getting in the region of hundreds of thousands of naira for an item that we know can be gotten for much less, then you will keep losing our business! pure and simple!! 17 Likes |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by DUNKA(m): 5:41pm On Aug 27, 2017 |
GeorgeD1:
hello bigrovar, indeed, a gold fish has no hiding place and juo has proven to be the man with the golden touch.
but while we're here heaping praises on one of our own, it may not be out of place to give some advice (and sound a note warning) to the numerous shylock traders teeming around in the internet space. they pop in here and browse through our thread and pluck in much needed knowledge which they use to update their overpriced solar wares. first of all, the advice: please wake up to reality and reduce your prices! the same price adjustment mechanism you used to hike your prices when dollar rose steadily from 220 to 550 naira should be used to re-adjust those prices downwards now that dollar rate has fallen to below 370 naira. now the warning: if you choose to stick your heads in the sand and feign ignorance of current realities, savvy peeps like us will keep going the juo route! we know where you source your wares and we know how much you make off each imported item you sell. we only chose to patronize you in the past because your prices were reasonable and we couldn't be bothered if you made a little income from your sales, afterall, you're not a charity organisation. but when your profits and mark-up starts getting in the region of hundreds of thousands of naira for an item that we know can be gotten for much less, then you will keep losing our business! pure and simple!! The Oracle has spoken . A word is enough for the wise 2 Likes |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by c0ogumo(m): 2:24am On Aug 28, 2017 |
*********** SOLAR DEPOT *********** Your One Stop Shop For Renewable Energy New Arrival: Victron Energy Products Visit our website www.solardepotng.com for more info |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by Saipro(m): 3:54am On Aug 28, 2017 |
kiekie1:
Welcome on board .. Nice you finally got the midnite order tru James ! My only dislike about midnite classic is the thermostatic fans which kicks in almost every time (2 underneath & 1 on top) & must be serviced when they get weak to avoid internal temp rise . Secondly it comes with real small 16mm ports for solar - battery cables , if you were using 25mm cables above on morningstar, you will find it a bit difficult to fix on midnite . . overall , its a nice mppt ! I also await users of the magnum mppt to attest -give a review on its ruggedness Actually, you can easily fit 25mm cables into it. It's a technique thing. Good thing I spoke with their "support team" before installing mine. And the fans don't fail as often as speculated (Outback, yes; Midnite, no) though not having moving parts is usually an advantage. NiyiOmoIyunade: Finally, the much promised review from somone here in Nigeria. A man of experience who thoroughly knows his onions.
So it appears the Midnite Classic won over the MorningStar overall - though I find the setup complexity issue relative having setup quite a few MorningStar CCs - I don't even think about it these days - there is something comfortingly solid & reliable about flipping dip switches.
There are quite a number of Classics out there. If DIP switches are your thing, there's a Classic just for you - the Classic Lite. There's always the option of a MNGP, should you want visual monitoring of your CC's performance. Chuckdee:
Lovely unbiased review indeed. Thanks GeorgeD. The Midnight Classic 150 is an excellent CC, and I have no regrets ever buying one. @ bolded above and just as dapsyra has rightly pointed out, it take take more than 4300W, I have a 4500 setup and it han2 fans kick in to always to cool down the CC when needed however, the top fan you mentioned is the Turbo Fan which seldom kicks in, infact I have had mine running for over 5 months and it has not for one day been activated. Its a no brainer that your CC should be installed in a well ventilated area to also aid in air-flow and cooling. The fans are very reliable too and I know people that have used classic 150 for over 5 years w/out a fan failure...
Note that the "no fan" units (Tristar for example) generally can not handle as much powelassic 150, and require much larger heat sinks to manage what they do. It would be interesting to test the actual operating temperatures of two comparable units and see how the cooling difference affects longevity. If the non-fan type really runs even a bit warmer it will have shorter life, all else being equal.
I think its a great feat to achieve upto 96V in such a small form factor like that of the 150. I know guys who load Classics with twice the array power upper limit. The primary disadvantage is the power loss in good weather (plus cost inefficiency). In poor weather (which is common in areas guys often practice such), they win. On sunny days, the Classic simply unloads the excess power by throttling back on output. Same as you and I would have when attempting to charge a full bank on a sunny day. On nominal 48V systems, The fans hardly ever kick in and when they do, it's at low RPMs. On 24V systems, moderate fan spins. On 12V systems, fans run almost all day on mine, buzzing like a dynamo (I use the same 3kW array each time). It appears the higher the current output, the hotter it runs (not really a total power thing). Also, the higher the hower thing). Also, the higher the headroom MPPT voltage difference, the sooner the fans kick in. (I'm sure you saw the transformer while installing it; no small feat using that small thing for tl feat using that small thing for that power). That's my observation from fiddling with the Classic 150. Regards longevity, the grapevine states Classics are really hard to kill, even when you try to. 4 Likes |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by Saipro(m): 8:48am On Aug 28, 2017 |
To JUO, I have this to say:
You are gradually stepping up in all spheres. Your name has been spoken in the open and behind closed doors. You've proven a business principle - trade volume trumps margin. The one thing which trumps them both is quality of service, something which many can testify you have in no short quantity.
Do you know there are 3 heavenly bodies capable of casting a shadow (meaning they shine through even in overcast skies)? The sun, the moon and a particular star (actually the planet Venus but it's the "star" sea voyagers and desert sojourners keep their orientation by). Others might soon have to use your service standards as a yardstick. Keep up the good works and your star will shine even brighter. 6 Likes |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by mcTrinity(m): 10:23am On Aug 28, 2017 |
efuro:
JUO don't need advert anymore. Just label ur product "JUO" and go to sleep with your two eyes closed. His prices on konga are splendid. Everyday i set my eyes on the items I got from him, I always wish him well.
Whatever you do, people know and understsnd. Pls don't be tired of doing good.
Thumb up to JUO.
@ GeorgeD..
I hearby promote you to the rank of "Group Captain ". Yes! Captain of DIYs To be decorated when dollar comes down significantly. Efuro, I disagreeingly discord with you (engrish).. but, seriously... "Group captain" can you promote Dangote to Managing Director of Dangote Groups when he's actually the CEO Mbok, biko, please, George is the founder and patron of this group and also the father and grand-patron of DIYs as far as RE is concerned!!!!!! 1 Like |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by mcci: 10:57am On Aug 28, 2017 |
Good morning beautiful People,
I observed recently that my production performance dropped significantly. I suspected the panels and on checking the roof I realized that a whole string is damaged. Please see pic below of the first panel in damaged string.
In your experience what could be the cause of the wire burning in this way and affecting the whole string.
My configuration was 3x2 and is now 3x1. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by Barezzi(m): 11:02am On Aug 28, 2017 |
c0ogumo:
*********** SOLAR DEPOT *********** Your One Stop Shop For Renewable Energy
New Arrival: Victron Energy Products
Visit our website www.solardepotng.com for more info
Nice one! I see you've redone the site and the prices have come down to what the righteous can afford. Can you further review it downwards for the "elect"? I am in the market for a midnite classic, i want to share in GeorgeD1's testimony 2 Likes |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by pranil(m): 12:16pm On Aug 28, 2017 |
c0ogumo:
*********** SOLAR DEPOT *********** Your One Stop Shop For Renewable Energy
New Arrival: Victron Energy Products
Visit our website www.solardepotng.com for more info
WOW Lion from Simplify in Nigeria - I could not believe my eyes - Now we wait for the price to DROP. I noticed it is the only preorder. How much time to get door delivery in Abuja after ordering Also, something wrong in website coding the next page / Navigation button when clicked leads to original coding page not the rendered page Now we want to see more brands, please wbr Anil |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by efuro(m): 2:51pm On Aug 28, 2017 |
mcTrinity:
Efuro, I disagreeingly discord with you (engrish)..
but, seriously... "Group captain" can you promote Dangote to Managing Director of Dangote Groups when he's actually the CEO
Mbok, biko, please, George is the founder and patron of this group and also the father and grand-patron of DIYs as far as RE is concerned!!!!!!
, I agree. He is the true torch bearer and has led many of us out of bondages of phcn/discos/generator importers. ( my fear is that they will soon dump generator importation for solar importation) Many thanks to him. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by efuro(m): 3:09pm On Aug 28, 2017 |
c0ogumo:
*********** SOLAR DEPOT *********** Your One Stop Shop For Renewable Energy
New Arrival: Victron Energy Products
Visit our website www.solardepotng.com for more info
Thanks! You have eventually heed our call for pasting ur products/prices but at the third quarter of the year. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by nisol: 5:02pm On Aug 28, 2017 |
mcci: Good morning beautiful People,
I observed recently that my production performance dropped significantly. I suspected the panels and on checking the roof I realized that a whole string is damaged. Please see pic below of the first panel in damaged string.
In your experience what could be the cause of the wire burning in this way and affecting the whole string.
My configuration was 3x2 and is now 3x1. Looks like a problem from a prolonged short circuit. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by bodeface: 6:55pm On Aug 28, 2017 |
@Barezzi Holla me for Midnite Classics 150 @ a very good price Anyone wishing to change his testimony like George D1 can also reach me, some quantity in stock. Barezzi:
Nice one! I see you've redone the site and the prices have come down to what the righteous can afford. Can you further review it downwards for the "elect"?
I am in the market for a midnite classic, i want to share in GeorgeD1's testimony 1 Like |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by mcci: 7:46pm On Aug 28, 2017 |
nisol:
Looks like a problem from a prolonged short circuit. Please could you elaborate. Thanks |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by NiyiOmoIyunade(m): 6:05am On Aug 29, 2017 |
I echo Nisol here - the Panel's wire appears burnt from carrying more current than it was rated for for quite sometime - indicates a short circuit (+ve & -ve wires bridged) or other current overload condition perhaps due to inferior/too thin cabling used. I think this could have been avoided if you had a suitably rated DC breaker on each incoming PV string. The breaker would have tripped off protecting the cables from burning up - NB: You should size your breakers to protect the cabling and not your equipment. I am worried though that it was the panel's wiring itself that melted and not the attached cables carrying power to the charge controller - it indicates possible quality issues with the panel itself. What make/brand are the panels? I think they can be repaired though if you take the panel to Alaba and similar places so all is not lost. At the minimum you should audit your system for short circuits, exposed cable insulation (peeled wire/wiring), DC Cables properly rated to carry the maximum current? before you proceed further - a system is only as strong as the weakest component therein. Best of luck! mcci: Good morning beautiful People, I observed recently that my production performance dropped significantly. I suspected the panels and on checking the roof I realized that a whole string is damaged. Please see pic below of the first panel in damaged string.
In your experience what could be the cause of the wire burning in this way and affecting the whole string.
My configuration was 3x2 and is now 3x1. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by efuro(m): 10:23am On Aug 29, 2017 |
mcci: Good morning beautiful People,
I observed recently that my production performance dropped significantly. I suspected the panels and on checking the roof I realized that a whole string is damaged. Please see pic below of the first panel in damaged string.
In your experience what could be the cause of the wire burning in this way and affecting the whole string.
My configuration was 3x2 and is now 3x1. sorry for your loss my brother. i will like to know the following: 1. Did you mix PVs of different watt ratings? 2. What is the make of the PV? 3. Did you cut off the MC4 connectors to make ur 3x 2 strings? (check the possibility of insulating tape wearing out and short circuiting the string); 4. Check the surface to see if the burnt section has affected the module (if yes, you can loop/byepass that section/solar module of the PV, you can PM for a link to how to fix it)? 4. Use screwdriver to Open the Terminal Box and take readings directly from the terminals (you can get a local electrician to read-off amps etc if you can't), (also where you can't get an electrician or a meter, as a DIY -get 12v motor vehicle bulb, wires and trace & check each of the strings within the PV to determines which can be salvaged). 5. You will need to get / replace all diodes. i have seen a case where 2 diodes were plugged in and not soldered in-place and you know what that means). you will get over it, cheers. 4 Likes |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by mcci: 12:52pm On Aug 29, 2017 |
efuro:
sorry for your loss my brother.
i will like to know the following:
1. Did you mix PVs of different watt ratings? 2. What is the make of the PV? 3. Did you cut off the MC4 connectors to make ur 3x 2 strings? (check the possibility of insulating tape wearing out and short circuiting the string); 4. Check the surface to see if the burnt section has affected the module (if yes, you can loop/byepass that section/solar module of the PV, you can PM for a link to how to fix it)? 4. Use screwdriver to Open the Terminal Box and take readings directly from the terminals (you can get a local electrician to read-off amps etc if you can't), (also where you can't get an electrician or a meter, as a DIY -get 12v motor vehicle bulb, wires and trace & check each of the strings within the PV to determines which can be salvaged). 5. You will need to get / replace all diodes. i have seen a case where 2 diodes were plugged in and not soldered in-place and you know what that means).
you will get over it, cheers.
@efuro and @NiyiOmoIyunade thanks for your responses I really appreciate. 1. Did you mix PVs of different watt ratings? No, All panels are same brand and watt ratings 2. What is the make of the PV? JXSOL3. Did you cut off the MC4 connectors to make ur 3x 2 strings? (check the possibility of insulating tape wearing out and short circuiting the string); Yes, I did cut off MC4 ConnectorsThe Junction Box is insulated with some silicon white gel when opened. |
Re: Solar Energy, A Complement To FTA by Gennextech: 4:50pm On Aug 29, 2017 |
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